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 I
feel a little guilty. I should boo Esau and applaud Jacob yet I
like Esau! I see why Isaac loved Esau (Gen. 25:28). Esau was a
“cunning hunter” (25:27) and with his “bow and quiver”
(27:3) —no rifle and scope — brought home the venison. He
also knew how to cook that venison to delight a man (27:4). And
Esau was an outdoorsman — “a man of the field” (25:27). He
was hairy and his complexion red (25:25) —nothing smooth or
dainty about him. No sissy perfume for Esau; he smelled of the
field (27:27).
And
he had a temper to match. When Jacob cheated him “he cried
with a great and exceeding bitter cry” (27:54). He hotly
plotted revenge (27:41). I understand his feelings. Furthermore,
Esau did as he pleased. NO asking Momma who he should marry; he
took a wife that pleased him (26:34) His judgement was poor; his
independence delightful!
Yes
sir! Esau was a “man’s man” In fact, that was his fault.
He was profane (Heb. 12:16) —coarse, fleshly minded. He never
looked to the final result of anything. His actions were
dictated by his momentary wish, need, or pleasure. Thus, when he
was hungry he traded his whole birthright for a bowl of soup
(25:29-f). I am ashamed.
On
the other hand, Jacob is not too appealing at first meeting. He
is crafty, scheming, unscrupulous, and dishonest. I can not
bring myself to like a fellow who
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would haggle with his starving brother,
deceive his old blind father, and cheat his brother while his
back is turned. But one thing about him, he kept his eye on the
end result and was patient in achieving his goals — how else
could he work so long for his chosen wife?
But
God succeeded in changing his goals. He began to look for a “heavenly”
country. Read Heb. 11:9-16. With new goals, his character
changed. He became so different God changed his name from Jacob
(supplanter —27:36) to Israel (ruling with God— 32:28).
Now
the point: The citizen of the kingdom of God is not supposed to
be “a man’s man” —a man of our liking. The gospel has
power to transform the carnal man into “ man” —if we let
it work in us. Joe Fitch
****************************
Robert
is back! — safe, sound, and tired. He has about 7 meetings
before rest and home. Page 3 carries his first report.
I
now willingly return the editor his shoes. They rub and pinch.
Three fellows —named Jim, Dan, and Joe — now fully realize
the work behind a PLAIN TALK article. And thanks to Jim and Dan
who made the work lighter. JF
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